EPA Administrator Zeldin Plans Review of $20 Billion Grants

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is challenging the Biden administration's allocation of approximately $20 billion in taxpayer funds to external accounts, claiming it undermines transparency and accountability. He argues that the funds, earmarked for environmental projects, were distributed to eight entities without proper oversight as a means to insulate them from potential cuts by the incoming Trump administration. Zeldin's announcement follows revelations from a Project Veritas undercover video, where an EPA advisor admitted to hastily distributing funds before the transition, likening it to 'throwing gold bars off the Titanic.' The EPA plans to terminate its financial agreements with the banks involved and reassume control of the funds, while Zeldin has committed to referring the matter to the inspector general and collaborating with the Justice Department. Critics accuse Trump’s efforts of overstepping congressional powers, while supporters view it as a necessary step to reclaim taxpayer money from what they see as politically motivated disbursements. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the two administrations regarding environmental funding and governance.